Summary: Sometimes, what we interpret as "text" ends up being nothing more than a technical message—one meant for systems to understand rather than people. When a user encounters an error message like "account balance not enough to run the query," there’s no story to extract from it. It is a factual notification, not a narrative. Understanding the nature of such messages helps us avoid wasted efforts trying to extract meaning where none exists and focus on the real issues: system design, communication clarity, and user experience failures.
The Nature of Technical Messages Versus Narrative Texts
Narratives are built around conflict, characters, stakes, and resolution. Technical error messages, in contrast, are raw status reports. They speak about a condition: either something went right, or something went wrong. A JSON response saying "your balance is too low" simply posits a fact. No characters, no drama, no background developments. It’s like a road sign saying "Bridge Out"—helpful, urgent, necessary, but not storytelling material in itself.
If we expect to pull emotions or journeys from such messages, we are setting ourselves up for frustration. Recognizing this distinction early saves time and sharpens focus on what can actually be worked with.
Why Technical Messages Are Built This Way
Technical systems are efficient. They operate in binaries: success or failure. JSON responses are designed with machines in mind first, not humans. When a system says, "Account balance not enough to run this query," it’s speaking to the next process in line. Maybe that's an API handler, maybe it's a user interface that will translate it into a pop-up for a human to see. But the original design purpose is not literary communication—it is operational continuity.
Think about it: if error messages were poetic, users would be even more confused. A server saying, "Alas, dear user, your credits have waned like the setting sun" might sound creative but would sabotage efficiency and clarity. Do you agree that in such cases, blunt communication is actually superior?
Real Issues Hidden Behind Simple Error Messages
While the message itself offers no story, it hints at larger systemic issues. Why was the account allowed to reach a low balance without earlier notice? Is there poor UX design prompting frustration? Was the cost of queries not made clear to the user? These questions matter because they point to narratives elsewhere: user frustration, failed expectations, $ loss, churn rates.
Isn't it fair to say that every technical limitation encountered by a user could potentially be a marketing or support failure in disguise? When a customer sees "insufficient funds," they aren’t just encountering a data point—they’re forming an opinion about whether they trust the service provider. Silence here costs money.
Better Communication Strategies Around Technical Failures
Since the technical system will naturally produce terse outputs, it's the company's responsibility to wrap those messages in human-centered support. A mere error code should trigger a chain reaction:
- Immediate user-friendly explanation: Why their balance ran out and what steps to fix it.
- Guidance to solutions: Easy links to payment options or usage reduction tips.
- Proactive prevention: Alert users before balances dip dangerously low.
Wouldn't integrating these practices turn a frustrating moment into a reinforcement of trust instead of a breach of confidence?
The Psychological Impact of Technical Messages
Psychologically speaking, users expect technology to work invisibly. Interruptions jar them, and terse error messages exacerbate the discomfort. People often internalize these issues, blaming themselves before realizing it’s a system design fault. This can fuel resentment and loss of loyalty.
Mirroring users' emotions—acknowledging their annoyance or confusion—can dramatically improve brand perception. For example, a simple prompt saying, "Looks like we hit a bump. Your balance is low, but we can fix this together," is worlds apart from cold system errors. How would you feel if your service providers showed that level of empathy in their systems?
Conclusion: Technical Errors Are Not Stories—but They Matter
No, there is no story to extract from a JSON error message itself. Its purpose is mechanical, not narrative. But what surrounds that message—the system performance, the user experience, the customer emotion—is where real stories live. Businesses who understand this distinction and respond accordingly build resilience, loyalty, and long-term trust.
Next time you encounter a terse system notice, instead of asking, "What story can I tell from this?" ask, "What story is my user living through right now?" Shifting the frame this way shines a spotlight on the real narrative that deserves your attention and creative response.
#UXDesign #CustomerSupport #CommunicationStrategy #UserExperience #SystemDesign #MarketingInsights #ErrorMessages #TrustInTech
Featured Image courtesy of Unsplash and Steve Ding (T42j_xLOqw0)